Tide Turns Case 3
2nd Inaugural
“With Malice Toward None”
Abraham Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address is enshrined as one of his two most famous speeches, and perhaps no phrase from it is as widely remembered and reused as his plea for moving forward “with malice toward none.” The phrase’s almost immediate ascension into popular memory is demonstrated by these objects—all from Lincoln’s memorial train and funeral about a month after the speech.
The widespread use of “with malice toward none,” however, can obscure Lincoln’s intent. Removed from the rest of the speech, it is often interpreted as Lincoln endorsing national reconciliation for its own sake—with no political or social context. The broader speech shows Lincoln trying to come to grips with the human toll of slavery and the bloodshed of the war—concluding God was perhaps punishing the nation for this monumental sin. When reflecting on the meaning of Lincoln’s speech, and who he’s including in “none,” that context is critical.
Label Audio
AC-LR063
MS-LR722 - Transcription
IN MEMORY OF
ABRAHAM LINCOLN,
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
Born Feb. 12, 1809.
Died April 15, 1865.
“With Malice toward none,
“With charity for all.”
Second Inaugural Message.
Transcription Audio
AC-LR488